Maggie Allesse Dept. of Theatre & Dance at Wayne State Announces 2017-18 Season

The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University will present a season of outrageous comedy, sultry seductiveness, holiday warmth, and disco divas as it begins its 2017-2018 season this fall.

Opening the season is "The Underpants" by legendary comedian and award-winning actor, Steve Martin. "The Underpants" is an uproarious comedy adapted on the 1910 German farce "Die Hose" by Carl Sternheim. In the play, a well-respected, middle-class couple return home from the king's parade where, as fate would have it, the wife's underwear falls down in public igniting an overwhelming passion in several would-be suitors. With MR. Martin's trademark wit and humor, "The Underpants," runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 15 at the Hilberry Theatre.

Following, the theatre invites audiences into the forest with Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" from Oct. 12 to 28 in the Studio Theatre at the Hilberry. Next is Tennessee Williams' seductive story of escapism, "A Streetcar Named Desire," performing Nov. 3 to 19 at the Hilberry. Then, the annual holiday favorite, "A Christmas Carol," returns to the Bonstelle Theatre, Dec. 1 through 17. Running Dec. 7 to 16 in the Studio Theatre at the Hilberry is Diana Son's "Stop Kiss," a funny yet poignant look at the life and struggles of the LGBT community. Wrapping up the fall is the audience-favorite, December Dance Concert, featuring contemporary dance masters for one weekend only, Dec. 8 and 9 at the Detroit Music Hall.

The winter opens with the Louise Heck-Rabi Dramatic Playwriting One Act Festival, Feb. 1 through 3 in the Studio Theatre at the Hilberry. The festival is an opportunity to showcase the original work of six to seven young playwrights. Next is George C. Wolfe's exploration of African-American history and culture, "The Colored Museum," running Feb. 2 to 18 at the Hilberry Theatre. Celebrating its 89th year, the Spring Dance Concert performs at the Bonstelle Theatre March 1 and 2, highlighting national and international works from the dance world's top-performing artists. Following is Aaron Posner's "Stupid F*ing Bird," a contemporary retelling of Chekhov's "The Seagull," March 1 though 31 in the Studio Theatre at the Hilberry. In April, the Bonstelle Theatre lights up with the grace and glory of disco as the Broadway musical "Sister Act" takes audiences to heaven. Based on the 1991 blockbuster film featuring Whoopi Goldberg, "Sister Act" runs April 13 to 22. Closing the season is Shakespeare's "King Lear," a sordid tale of family vengeance, performing April 27 to May 13 at the Hilberry.

Season tickets are available now. Tickets buyers may choose from two season ticket options. A six-show subscription includes "The Underpants," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "A Christmas Carol," "The Colored Museum," "Sister Act" and "King Lear." Subscribers enjoy guaranteed seats for all six productions for just $129 per person. Memberships are available for $150 per person and allow the ticket buyer to attend an unlimited number of productions at the Bonstelle, Hilberry, and Studio Theatres. Tickets to individual shows go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 5. All tickets may be purchased online at theatreanddanceatwayne.com or by phone at 313-577-2972.

About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit http://research.wayne.edu.

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